FanHouse

Sources: 19-Year-Old Zach Bogosian Enters US Olympic Picture

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-20T09:51:00 00:00

Filed under: Thrashers, FanHouse Exclusive

Zach Bogosian, the 19-year-old defenseman from the Atlanta Thrashers, has emerged as a serious candidate for the United States Olympic Team, a pair of sources have told FanHouse.

The 19-year-old Bogosian, a native of northern New York, has developed into a superb two-way defenseman with shocking ease, with just 64 NHL games under his belt. The third overall pick from 2008 already has eight goals this season, tops among NHL defensemen. He would be a natural for the up-tempo system Team USA coach Ron Wilson plans to install for the Olympics in Vancouver in February.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

DraftWatch 2010: Cam Fowler, the Kid Who Said No to Notre Dame

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-18T12:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: NHL Draft

When he was 15 years old, phenom defenseman Cam Fowler locked in a scholarship to play college hockey at Notre Dame. Two years later, at the age of 17, the kid from Farmington Hills, Mich. made a phone call he said was "the toughest thing I've had to do in my life so far."

He broke his commitment with head coach Jeff Jackson and Notre Dame, electing to play Canadian junior hockey with likely 2010 first overall pick Taylor Hall and the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Alex Ovechkin: The Classic Superstar

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-17T22:38:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Capitals, NHL Media Watch, NHL Economics

NEW YORK -- As Alex Ovechkin takes the pregame warmup at Madison Square Garden, an hour before scoring in his return game -- a Capitals' 4-2 win -- Rangers fans in blue and white jerseys stand 10-deep behind the glass. In a rarity for this most vocal of fanbases, hardly anyone makes a sound. They mostly just stand and watch and appreciate. Ovechkin is back after a two-week injury and he seems to have been missed not just by Capitals fans.

Bob Hoch attempts to focus on Ovechkin with the Canon 200 he's taken out of his jacket pocket. Hoch has been a Rangers season ticket-holder for five years, but he's an unabashed Ovechkin true believer. "I love Ovechkin and hate Sidney Crosby," Hoch says, as if there has to be a choice. "They're both incredible hockey players, but Crosby takes dives and avoids contact at all times and Ovie is old school. He's the guy you'd kill to have on your team."

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Nikita Filatov Trade Could Bring Bounty For Blue Jackets

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-17T17:25:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Blue Jackets, NHL Rumors

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted a super-skilled freelancing forward a year ago and are now wondering why he's not developing into Jere Lehtinen. So on Tuesday, Nikita Filatov took his sticks and went home to Russia and the KHL -- as the Blue Jackets always knew he could.

Now the big question is, where do the Blue Jackets and their "prized" prospect go from here?

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Alex Ovechkin Set to Make Grand Return

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-17T11:40:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Capitals

NEW YORK -- Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin will make his return to the lineup on Tuesday night in Madision Square Garden against the New York Rangers.

Ovechkin, who is still tied for the NHL lead in goals with 14, missed six games over the last 15 days with what the Capitals termed an "upper body strain." His return is not just at one of the world's more famous arenas, but can be seen on VERSUS. In Ovechkin's three previous appearances on the league's national cable partner this season, he has a combined six goals and two assists. In his last five games at Madison Square Garden -- including last year's playoffs -- Ovechkin has four goals and four assists.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

'The Hammer' Enters Flyers' Hall of Fame

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-16T09:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Flyers, FanHouse Exclusive

Dave Schultz will be inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame on Monday night. Looking back more than 30 years later, it's hard to believe Schultz was only a Flyer for four seasons.

"That's my only regret," said the man forever known as "The Hammer."

Just four years. Ask any hockey fan to list the men associated with the great and notorious Philadelphia hockey teams of the 1970s and you will hear Bobby Clarke's name first, followed maybe by Bernie Parent and possibly the coach, Fred Shero. But in that next group -- along with everyone from Bill Barber and Rick MacLeish to Gary Dornhoefer and Reggie Leach and the Watson brothers -- comes The Hammer.

More Coverage: Going Toe-to-Toe With "The Hammer"

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Going Toe-to-Toe With the Hammer

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-16T09:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Flyers, FanHouse Exclusive

FanHouse's Christopher Botta spoke with Flyers legend Dave Schultz before his induction Monday night into the Flyers Hall of Fame.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Islanders Coach Caught! (Rapping and Dancing in 1986 Video)

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-14T11:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Islanders, NHL Fans, NHL Videos, College Hockey

Scott Gordon was told, with a purposeful tint of vagueness, that a reporter had a question "about your days in Boston College."

"I bet you do," said the head coach of the New York Islanders.

Gordon had been warned about this two weeks ago. The video, the one he filmed in 1986, was recently re-discovered, dropped on the world wide web and slowly but surely was starting to go viral.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Teamwork of Rivals May Have Saved Life

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-12T11:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Penguins, Sharks, NHL Injuries, FanHouse Exclusive

The NHL can be a league of brutality, of fierce grudges played out inside the boards. But one of the game's most endearing qualities is the sportsmanship demonstrated when the final buzzer sounds. There is, of course, the traditional handshake after playoff series. Then there are the moments you don't hear much about.

David Morehouse (pictured right) arrived safely at home on Thursday morning. The 48-year-old president of the Pittsburgh Penguins had emergency endovascular stent surgery on Sunday in California to repair a blocked artery. But there is a lot more to this story.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Amidst the Trade Rumors, Martin Biron Smiles and Stops Pucks

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-11T10:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Islanders, NHL Rumors

As if being a goalie in the National Hockey League is not difficult enough. As if 6-3 power forwards standing in front of you on power plays is not enough of a distraction.

From now until the day he is dealt -- and he almost definitely will before the March 3 deadline -- Martin Biron is going to hear his name in trade rumors. This is what happens when you're on a one-year contract at a very reasonable $1.4 million. This is what happens when your team has an established No. 1 goalie (Dwayne Roloson) under contract through 2010-2011 and their best netminder (Rick DiPietro) in the fold for another eleven years. This is also what happens when you're low-maintenance, talented, accomplished and respected.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Islanders' Okposo Diagnosed with H1N1

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-10T17:20:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Islanders, Eastern

According to team officials, New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo has been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu.

The 21-year-old Okposo did not travel accompany the team on its flight on Tuesday afternoon to Washington, where they face the Capitals on Wednesday. The team did not release any further details on Okposo's illness or a timetable for his recovery.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Brian Leetch: Pride of the Rangers

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-09T10:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Rangers, NHL Hall of Fame

The main press box for Rangers games at Madison Square Garden is in the lower bowl, behind one of the goals. It is here where the perfect imagery can be found to illustrate the magical play of Brian Leetch, who enters the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday.

In this press box sit men and women, some who have been to thousands of games, some perhaps new to the hockey beat. Either way, it can often be a jaded lot. But when Leetch plied his craft as a defenseman for the Rangers from 1988 until 2004, there were countless moments when his artistry made those four rows of tables one of the grandest places to be in sports.

The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of '09:
Steve Yzerman | Brian Leetch | Brett Hull
Luc Robitaille | Lou Lamoriello

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Islanders vs. Devils Live Blog

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-06T17:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Devils, Islanders

The Devils are a perfect 7-0 on the road this year, but a pedestrian 2-4 at The Rock in Newark, where they'll be hosting the Islanders Friday night. After six straight losses to open the season, the Isles have won four out of their last five behind John Tavares, who has four points in that stretch. FanHouse's Christopher Botta is live-blogging the Atlantic Division contest from the time the puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Lou Lamoriello's Creed: Competence, Loyalty and Work Ethic

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-06T14:25:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Devils, NHL Hall of Fame

New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello will be inducted into the builders section of the the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday. The architect of three Stanley Cup-winning teams was the guest on a media conference call on Friday afternoon. Some highlights ...

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Blue Jackets' Struggles Illustrate NHL's Tale of Two Leagues

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-05T16:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Economics

Thursday's report that the Columbus Blue Jackets are losing $12 million a year is the latest illustration that the National Hockey League is really made up of two leagues.

There are flourishing franchises, the ones that print money or are at least in position to make big dough. Among those on this list are the big market American teams in Manhattan, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and Washington. Also thriving, naturally, are the six Canadian franchises.

While many NHL executives, players and fans live in denial, there are teams like the Blue Jackets battling league and their own economics just to stay in existence. To this list add Atlanta, Florida, Nashville, the Islanders, Phoenix, Tampa Bay. There are several more hurting franchises that haven't yet found the guts to finally say, "Enough is enough" like Columbus did on Thursday.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Flames' Swine Flu Clinic Not Piggish, Just Celeb Reality

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-03T23:30:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Flames, NHL Injuries, NHL Media Watch

Don't blame the Calgary Flames for swiping swine flu shots for their players, coaches, staff members and their families. Blame the culture of celebrity. Since most hockey players are big stars north of the border, blame Canada. Blame Alberta Health Services, the agency responsible.

But don't get all high and mighty about the Flames getting vaccinated while thousands of Alberta residents waited all day or were turned away at clinics throughout the province. The hockey team did not ask for preferential treatment. They only asked for treatment. Why a squad from Alberta Health provided the Flames with their own clinic is something the agency will have to explain. One suggestion for the investigators: start with the team's head physician. Those docs tend to be deeply connected.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

2-on-1: Present-Day NHLers Bound for the Hall of Fame

Christopher Botta — 2009-11-02T12:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: NHL Awards, NHL Hall of Fame

Every Monday during the season two of our hockey writers will debate one topic. It's the 2-on-1. This week, Susan Slusser and Christopher Botta discuss which current players are bound for the Hall of Fame.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Does Anybody Really Care About the NHLPA Drama?

Christopher Botta — 2009-10-30T16:40:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: NHL Media Watch, NHL Economics

The National Hockey League Players Association has denied various reports on Friday that it has ceased operations. The union released this statement at 4:00 p.m. ET: "The NHLPA staff continues to work very hard on behalf of the players in all areas of the Association's business and will continue to do so going forward."

The NHLPA did confirm that interim executive director Ian Penny (pictured right) is no longer associated with the union. From the statement: "Ian Penny informed the NHLPA staff and the NHLPA Executive Board earlier today that it is his position he has been constructively dismissed as Interim Executive Director of the NHLPA and can no longer work in the present circumstances. Effective today, Ian Penny is no longer employed by the NHLPA." In other words, get ready for another round of "I was fired," "No, you quit."

Have I lost you yet? About ready to check out Kevin Schultz's list of the top five NHL coaches on the hot seat? Don't blame you one bit.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Marian Gaborik Out Against the Islanders

Christopher Botta — 2009-10-28T12:31:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Islanders, Rangers, NHL Injuries

UNIONDALE, NY -- New York Rangers sniper Marian Gaborik will miss Wednesday night's game against the Islanders. Gaborik suffered what appeared to be a leg injury in the third period of New York's win over Phoenix on Monday at Madison Square Garden.

"He won't be playing tonight," Rangers coach John Tortorella said after Wednesday's morning skate at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. "I'm not going to get into what he has."

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

For First Time, Dapuzzo Reveals Anguish, Depression After Skate Severs His Face

Christopher Botta — 2009-10-27T12:00:00 00:00

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive

On Feb. 9, 2008, veteran NHL linesman Pat Dapuzzo suffered career-ending and life-altering injuries when he was accidentally struck in the face by the skate blade of Flyers forward Steve Downie during a game in Philadelphia against the Rangers. The damage to Dapuzzo's face and head was far more serious than simply cosmetic.

In this exclusive for FanHouse, the 50-year-old Dapuzzo opens up for the first time about his memories of the incident, the countless surgeries, the deep depression, the support of the NHL community and his determination to live a normal life again. This is the story entirely in his own words, as told to Christopher Botta.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments